What do you admire about your spouse?

It’s not hard to make a list of qualities you admire in your spouse – if you’re paying attention.  You married this person, so there must have been qualities that drew you to him or her.  Do you remember?

compliment your spouseThe first thing I ever noticed about Robert was his voice.  He was sitting behind me in a church class – he’d just joined the class as a guest – and I didn’t even know what he looked like.  He answered a question with his deep, 16-year-old voice, and I was intrigued.  I still love the timbre of his voice!  (If you’ve ever listened to any of his Values Quotes videos, you’ll understand.)  I value that Robert never gives up.  He has the quality of perseverance.

Sometimes a compliment will be about what you value, or simply enjoy in your spouse.  At times a compliment will be about something small, and insignificant such as a physical attribute.  Other times a compliment will highlight a strength, or how your spouse has grown in a way that wasn’t strong in the past.

Compliments are a simple way to show respect & love.

A sincerely given word of appreciation, admiration, and approval has the power to light up your spouse.  Better yet, it’s a tangible way to show how much you notice the good stuff – all those unique gifts, and talents God has put into your spouse.

Complimenting your spouse can be learned.

Perhaps you’ve grown up in an atmosphere where compliments were rare.  Or needed to be earned.  Don’t be stingy.  It’s not necessary to continue that behavior.  It is possible to learn how to give words of affirmation and admiration.  Exercise your ability to give a sincere compliment.  Like a muscle, it’s a skill that must be exercised.

Don’t wait to give compliments.  At the grave-side a compliment has no impact on the body waiting to be buried.  Learn to give the gift of a compliment – now.

Respecting and loving your spouse can take many avenues.  A sincere compliment is one.

A compliment is like verbal sunshine.

~ Robert Orben

How do you go out of your way to acknowledge the good stuff about your spouse?